Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An authentic Kashmiri curry featuring slow-simmered lamb with whole spices and yogurt, true to medieval Mughal cuisine. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 130 minutes pairs cubed lamb shoulder, yogurt, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 95 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate lamb cubes with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 whole cardamom pods, 3 whole cloves, and 1-inch cinnamon stick, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 chopped onions and cook until golden brown (10 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Stir in grated tomato, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric, cooking for 5 minutes until oil separates from the mixture.
  5. Step 5: Add marinated lamb with its marinade, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours until meat is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Uncover, stir in 1 tsp garam masala, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (35 min prep + 95 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices?

Indian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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